Album Review: John Fatum (Self-Titled)

Born on the North Side of Chicago, and now based in Brooklyn,  John Fatum has been immersed in music since before he could talk. After high school, Fatum studied Jazz Performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester ultimately forming two bands with his brother, The Fatum Brother’s Jazz Orchestra and The Rad Trads. On December 9th, Fatum once again steps out on his own with the release of his second solo project.  

Like many Americana artists, Fatum blends folk, country, rock and blues in his music, but adds another distinctive element – jazz – that breathes fresh air into his recordings. On the sultry opening track, “The Little Pie Blues,” Fatum inserts a gentle trumpet solo from producer Billy Aukstik while “Good Luck Unto Ya,” which deals with ending a friendship, carries a gospelesque vibe.

Fatum’s airy, transportative vocals are accompanied by gentle guitar and mandolin on "Ride On Nebraska" while harmonica supports the soulfully funky "Little King" and a sweetly intense feel permeates "Try As You Might" where he notes simply, “Sometimes you’re right and sometimes you’re wrong.”

Fatum provides social commentary on "If We Call This Home" (with its stunning harmonies in the chorus), dives to emotional depths on the striking "Roses" and covers sweet romance on "Let's Go Walking In The Moonlight.” The album is rounded out with the narrative of "Your Only Son" and the raucous “I've Got Two Hands (And Two Bottles Of Champagne)" – complete with sax solo!

Recorded on an 8-track reel-to-reel tape machine in New York’s East Village, the all-analog recording embodies a feel that’s classic, yet contemporary; honest, familiar and endearingly imperfect - in the most perfect of ways. Give it a listen.

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